Let’s face it: a garden without butterflies is like a concert without music-something essential is missing! Butterflies bring life, color, and a touch of magic to your yard. And do we even need to mention all the benefits these charming creatures provide for our beloved plants?
It’s no surprise that attracting as many butterfly varieties as possible is high on every gardener’s wish list. But here’s the thing: the easiest way to welcome these fluttering beauties isn’t with store-bought solutions or chemicals. The secret lies in rolling out nature’s red carpet-growing the right plants!
The tricky part? Butterflies are picky eaters. Not every plant makes it onto their must-visit list.
So, are you ready to meet the winners? No time to waste! Here are 13 plants butterflies adore and the specific species they’ll invite to your garden.
1. Milkweed Is The Favorite Of Monarch Butterflies
Milkweed’s colorful flowers are like a buffet with “all Monarchs welcome” written all over it. Monarch butterflies absolutely adore its sweet nectar and rely on it as the perfect host plant for their eggs and caterpillars.
Plant milkweed where the sun shines brightest, and water it sparingly. From my experience, milkweed is really a huge fan of dry spells. And before you know it, your garden will become the Monarch’s favorite hangout.
2. Coneflowers For Painted Lady Butterflies
Vivid pink petals and sunny golden centers adorn the coneflowers and I must say that Painted Lady butterflies love these flowers as much as we do.
Of course, these creatures can’t resist the nectar-filled centers, so if you want to make a butterfly garden, you must put coneflowers on your to-grow list.
To keep these bloomers happy, just choose a sunny location and water them sparingly. They’re incredibly tough and thrive even on a bit of neglect.
3. Swallowtail Butterflies Adore Butterfly Bush
I guess you’re not really surprised to see a butterfly bush on this list. The only thing you may not know is that Swallowtail butterflies love it most.
With blooms that resemble miniature lilac clusters, the butterfly bush is a feast for both the eyes and the butterflies.
Make sure to plant it in a sunny spot and water it consistently until it’s well-established.
4. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Will Definitely Pay A Visit To Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye Weed’s tall, wispy clusters of pinkish-purple flowers are like a neon sign for Eastern Tiger Swallowtails: “Free Nectar Here!”
These butterflies adore their blooms, which provide a much-needed energy boost during late summer. Did you know this plant thrives in wetlands but can also adapt to regular gardens with ease?
So, plant it in moist soil, give it enough full sun and it will reward you with towering blooms and a steady stream of butterfly visitors. Minimal effort, maximum butterfly appeal!
5. Lantana For Gulf Fritillary Butterflies
With its fiery clusters of flowers, lantana is like the Gulf Fritillary’s favorite diner-always open and serving the good stuff.
These butterflies are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, which are as beautiful as they are beneficial. Did you know that lantana is deer-resistant, making it a tough and versatile choice for your garden?
All I did for my lantana was plant it in a sunny location and water it sparingly once it was established. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for adding vibrant color and life to your butterfly garden.
6. Skipper Butterflies And Zinnias Are A Match Made In Heaven
Zinnias produce dazzling, rainbow-colored blooms, and they are the perfect playground for Skipper butterflies.
These tiny but mighty pollinators love the easy-to-access nectar in zinnia’s open flowers.
Lucky for you, zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow! They’re a favorite for beginner gardeners and butterflies alike!
All you need to do is to plant them in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil, and keep them hydrated during dry spells.
7. Black-Eyed Susan And Red Admiral Butterflies Are True Friends
Who wouldn’t want more Red Admiral butterflies in their yard? Black-eyed Susans can definitely help make that happen!
These blooms are a staple for butterfly gardens and a treat for pollinator enthusiasts. Oh, and Black-Eyed Susans are so resilient and often naturalize, spreading their charm year after year.
Simply plant these hardy flowers in a sunny spot, and give them a little water during dry periods! That’s all it takes!
8. Goldenrod For American Painted Lady Butterflies
Goldenrod’s cheery yellow flowers are the perfect energy boost for American Painted Lady butterflies.
These late-blooming plants are a lifeline for butterflies preparing for migration. Did you know Goldenrod is a native wildflower that supports a wide range of pollinators, not just butterflies?
Place it in full sun with well-draining soil, and trust me, it will thrive with minimal care.
9. Plant Asters To Attract Pearl Crescent Butterflies
The cheerful, starry flowers of asters are irresistible to Pearl Crescent butterflies, and of course, they rely on their rich nectar to fuel up. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for adding a splash of color to your late-season garden.
Well, asters are our native plants, so we expected nothing less, right?
Do you have a sunny location in your garden and your soil is free-draining and moist? If so, asters should be your next plants!
10. Don’t Forget That Verbena Is A True Magnet For Buckeye Butterflies
The vibrant, long-lasting blooms of verbena are a beacon for Buckeye butterflies! These butterflies love the plant’s sprawling clusters of flowers, which add charm and color to any garden.
The great thing about verbena is that it can bloom all season long, ensuring a steady supply of nectar for visiting butterflies.
But if you want it to bloom profusely, you must plant it in a well-drained spot with direct sunlight!
11. Marigolds Are Ideal Choice For Sulphur Butterflies
Here comes a garden classic! Good old marigolds are a favorite among many beneficial creatures, with Sulphur butterflies topping the list.
These butterflies are irresistibly drawn to marigolds’ long-lasting blooms, which offer a reliable food source all season long.
Marigolds thrive in sunny spots and need well-drained soil to produce even more of their cheerful flowers.
12. Grow Purple Passionflower To Draw Zebra Longwing Butterflies
Want to make your garden stand out while attracting Zebra Longwing butterflies? Purple passionflowers are the perfect choice!
These exotic blooms provide nectar for the butterflies and serve as a host plant for their caterpillars.
Unlike many flowers on this list, purple passionflowers can thrive in partially shaded areas. Just ensure their soil drains well, as they’re sensitive to overwatering.
13. And Remember That Cabbage White Butterflies Prefer Lavender!
It’s no secret that everyone loves the calming scent of lavender. And Cabbage White butterflies are big fans of this fragrant herb too!
Lavender thrives in dry, sunny climates, making it a must-have for anyone dreaming of a Mediterranean-inspired garden.
I planted mine in a sunny, well-drained spot, and honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I watered it. Thankfully, it’s still thriving and looking fantastic!
So, start planting now, and your garden will be the talk of the butterflies in no time! Ready to see the magic happen?